Upgrading Your Simmons Electronic Drum Kit
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Simmons has long been a recognizable name in the world of electronic drums, offering kits that range from compact beginner sets to more advanced options for seasoned players. Whether you own an entry-level kit like the SD200 or a professional rig like the SD2000, there comes a time when you might want to expand, upgrade, or replace certain components to enhance your playing experience.
This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your Simmons kit using high-quality pads, cymbals, and accessories from World Drummers and help you unlock the full potential of your instrument.
Why Upgrade Your Simmons Kit?
Upgrading an electronic drum kit offers several benefits:
Improved Feel – Better pad and cymbal responsiveness makes your drumming more natural and dynamic.
Greater Durability – High-quality components last longer, even under heavy daily use.
Expanded Playing Options – Add more zones, larger playing surfaces, or extra triggers to match your playing style.
Better Sound Triggering – Reduce mis-triggers and improve velocity sensitivity for more expressive performances.
Overview of Simmons Drum Models
Before we dive into specific upgrade paths, let’s look at the main Simmons models and their characteristics:
Simmons Titan 20 – Compact beginner kit ideal for small spaces.
Simmons Titan 50 – More pads and better sound library for intermediate players.
Simmons Titan 70 – Higher-end Titan series kit with mesh pads and better hardware.
Simmons SD200 – Affordable, entry-level kit with basic features.
Simmons SD350 – A step up from the SD200, offering mesh pads and more robust module options.
Simmons SD500 – Mid-tier kit with better triggers, more inputs, and enhanced playability.
Simmons SD550 – Similar to the SD500 with additional expansion possibilities.
Simmons SD600 – Semi-pro kit with larger pads, improved cymbals, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Simmons SD1000 – A versatile, expandable kit popular with gigging drummers on a budget.
Simmons SD1200 – Professional-grade kit with full-size mesh pads and triple-zone cymbals.
Simmons SD2000 – Flagship Simmons kit with advanced triggering and studio-ready features.
No matter which model you own, there is always room to enhance the experience with upgraded components.
Upgrading Your Cymbals
Many Simmons kits come with standard single-zone or dual-zone cymbals that work well for basic playing but lack the responsiveness and feel of premium options. By upgrading to high-quality cymbals from World Drummers’ Electronic Cymbal Collection, you can enjoy:
Dual-Zone Functionality for separate bow and edge triggering.
Realistic Sizes like 14", 16", or even larger for better playing comfort.
Better Choke Response for precise performance control.
Popular upgrade paths include:
Replacing the stock hi-hat with a dual-zone electronic hi-hat for more realistic open/close control.
Adding a third crash cymbal to expand your sound palette.
Upgrading your ride cymbal to a triple-zone ride for bell, bow, and edge triggering.
All Simmons kits from the SD200 upward will benefit greatly from these improvements, with higher-end models like the SD1200 and SD2000 fully supporting multiple zones.
Upgrading Your Drum Pads
Stock pads on entry-level Simmons kits often use rubber surfaces that feel less natural compared to mesh heads. By upgrading with pads from World Drummers’ Electronic Pad Collection, you can achieve:
Mesh Heads for a more acoustic-like rebound and dynamic control.
Dual-Zone Snare Pads for rimshot and cross-stick playing.
Larger Diameter Pads for more comfortable placement and accurate triggering.
Examples:
On a Simmons SD200 or SD350, replacing the stock snare with a dual-zone mesh snare greatly improves playability.
On a Simmons SD500 or SD600, upgrading all toms to mesh pads enhances the feel across the whole kit.
On a Simmons SD1000 or SD2000, you can add extra tom pads for expanded setups.
Adding Accessories for Maximum Performance
Beyond pads and cymbals, the right accessories can transform your Simmons kit into a professional setup. Explore World Drummers’ Accessories for Electronic Drums to find:
Professional Hi-Hat Stands for electronic hi-hats.
Double Bass Pedals for metal and fast rock playing.
Sturdy Drum Racks to replace lightweight stock racks.
Extra Trigger Cables for expansion pads.
These accessories not only improve durability but also make your kit more comfortable and customizable.
Compatibility and Setup Tips
When upgrading your Simmons kit:
Always check your drum module’s trigger input capacity and zone support.
Dual-zone and triple-zone pads work best with modules that recognize multiple zones (SD500 and above).
For entry-level modules like the SD200, some upgrades will work in single-zone mode.
Make sure to adjust your module’s trigger settings after installing new pads or cymbals to ensure optimal sensitivity and velocity curves.
Whether you own a compact Simmons Titan 20 or the flagship Simmons SD2000, upgrading with premium cymbals, mesh pads, and quality accessories from World Drummers can transform your drumming experience. Better feel, expanded sound options, and improved durability will not only make playing more enjoyable but also help you grow as a drummer.
Browse our collections today:
Accessories for Electronic Drums
Take your Simmons kit to the next level — the difference is in the details.
